Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
REFERENCES
Timeline
Generic

Leah Garrard-Williams

Sydney,NSW

Summary

A passionate and dedicated Early Childhood Educator with a strong commitment to creating and maintaining inclusive, engaging and child-centered learning environments. Experienced in building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues to support holistic development and well-being. Skilled in behavior management, play-based learning, and creating nurturing spaces that encourage curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional growth. I possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, honed through both education and hospitality experience, to create welcoming and supportive environments for children and their families. Highly adaptable, with the ability to manage diverse needs, multitask effectively, and remain calm under pressure. Committed to ongoing professional development and collaboration to enhance learning experiences and outcomes.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Educator

OAC - Only About Children
Concord West, NSW
08.2024 - 03.2025

During my time at OAC Childcare Centre in Concord, I developed strong communication and interpersonal skills to create meaningful relationships with children, parents, and colleagues. I designed and implemented engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encouraged curiosity, creativity, and active participation. By incorporating cooperative learning strategies and interactive discussions, I nurtured critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills in young learners.

I played a key role in creating a safe and supportive learning environment by setting clear expectations for behaviour, while promoting self-confidence and mutual respect. Recognising the diverse needs of children, I adapted activities to accommodate different learning styles and developmental levels, including those with additional needs. Through close observation, I identified strengths and areas for growth, adjusting teaching strategies to enhance individual learning outcomes.

Beyond the classroom, I collaborated with colleagues to share best practices and participated in professional development workshops to refine my teaching methods. I also engaged parents by providing regular updates on their child's progress, fostering a strong home-school connection. Additionally, I took initiative in organising and facilitating activities and experiences, enhancing the overall learning experience. My dedication to creating a positive, inclusive, and structured environment contributed to meaningful student engagement and development.

Barista / All Rounder

Soul Origin
Rhodes, NSW
01.2024 - 09.2024
  • Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment, efficiently managing orders, payments, and inquiries.
  • Prepared a variety of specialty coffee drinks, ensuring quality and consistency.
  • Assisted customers with menu selections and utilised upselling techniques to enhance sales.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and food safety, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
  • Managed inventory, restocked supplies, and kept workstations clean and efficient, especially during peak hours.
  • Operated the POS system, processed transactions accurately, and handled cash with integrity.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure a smooth workflow and high-quality service.
  • Developed strong relationships with regular customers, recognising preferences and anticipating needs.
  • Addressed and resolved customer concerns promptly, maintaining brand loyalty.
  • Multitasked effectively and stayed composed under pressure to provide a seamless café experience.

Barista / All Rounder

Hungry Avocado
Parramatta, NSW
03.2023 - 11.2023
  • Provided prompt and friendly customer service, efficiently handling orders, payments, and inquiries.
  • Thrived in a high-pressure environment, multitasking effectively to meet customer demands.
  • Crafted high-quality coffee beverages, ensuring precision in preparation and presentation.
  • Assisted customers with menu selections, offering recommendations based on preferences and dietary needs.
  • Maintained a clean, organised, and sanitary work environment, adhering to food safety regulations.
  • Monitored stock levels, restocked supplies, and ensured smooth operations during busy periods.
  • Processed transactions accurately using the POS system while managing cash handling responsibilities.
  • Worked collaboratively with team members to maintain efficiency and service excellence.
  • Built rapport with regular customers, personalising service and fostering brand loyalty.

Barista / All Rounder

T&J Xpresso
Granville & Oatlands, NSW
09.2021 - 06.2023
  • Provided exceptional customer service by engaging with customers, taking orders, and offering personalised recommendations.
  • Prepared and served a variety of coffee beverages, teas, and fresh juices, ensuring quality and adherence to recipes.
  • Trained new baristas on coffee-making techniques, customer service standards, and food safety regulations.
  • Handled cash transactions accurately using the POS system while managing inventory and restocking supplies as needed.
  • Maintained a clean, organised, and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Utilised upselling techniques to promote pastries, sandwiches, and specialty drinks, enhancing customer experience and sales.
  • Assisted in the preparation of baked goods, sliced ingredients for food service, and recommended menu pairings.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure an efficient workflow, especially during peak hours and special events.
  • Addressed customer inquiries and concerns professionally, fostering brand loyalty and repeat business.
  • Managed time effectively to complete tasks on schedule while maintaining a high standard of service.

Waitress

Outback Steakhouse
Wentworthville, NSW
03.2022 - 12.2022
  • Managed sections of the restaurant, providing attentive and efficient service to multiple tables simultaneously.
  • Took and delivered accurate food and beverage orders, ensuring special requests and steak temperature preferences were met.
  • Provided expert menu recommendations, including steak pairings and drink selections, to enhance the dining experience.
  • Maintained high levels of customer satisfaction by addressing inquiries and resolving concerns promptly.
  • Coordinated with kitchen and bar staff to ensure timely and accurate order delivery.
  • Processed payments efficiently using the POS system while handling cash and card transactions with precision.
  • Ensured a clean and organised section by resetting tables quickly and adhering to sanitation standards.
  • Worked efficiently during peak hours, managing multiple tables while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail.
  • Assisted in training new staff members, ensuring consistency in service quality and company standards.
  • Contributed to a positive team environment, collaborating with colleagues to ensure seamless restaurant operations.

Waitress

The Butchers Block
Granville, NSW
02.2021 - 01.2022
  • Greeted and seated customers, providing a friendly and welcoming dining experience.
  • Took accurate food and beverage orders, ensuring special requests and dietary needs were met.
  • Delivered food and drinks efficiently while maintaining high service standards.
  • Managed multiple tables efficiently during busy shifts while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail.
  • Provided menu recommendations and upsold specials to enhance customer experience and sales.
  • Handled cash and card transactions using the POS system with accuracy and integrity.
  • Maintained a clean and organized dining area, following health and safety regulations.
  • Assisted in setting up and closing down the restaurant, ensuring a smooth workflow.
  • Addressed customer inquiries and resolved concerns promptly to ensure satisfaction.
  • Worked collaboratively with kitchen and front-of-house staff to ensure timely service.

Food Attendant

Port Bar & Restaurant
Parramatta, NSW
03.2017 - 06.2020
  • Polished cutlery, glassware, and tableware to maintain high presentation standards.
  • Assisted with food running, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of meals to guests.
  • Cleared and reset tables efficiently to maintain a smooth flow of service.
  • Maintained cleanliness in dining and service areas, adhering to health and safety regulations.
  • Assisted waitstaff by refilling water, delivering condiments, and attending to guest requests.
  • Collected used dishes and transported them to the kitchen for cleaning.
  • Monitored stock levels of tableware and restocked as needed to support smooth service.
  • Helped organise and clean the restaurant before, during, and after service hours.
  • Supported kitchen and front-of-house teams by ensuring workstations remained clean and organised.
  • Worked efficiently in a fast-paced environment, ensuring a seamless dining experience for guests.

Education

High School Diploma -

Northmead Creative & Performing Arts Highschool
Northmead, NSW
10-2019

Macarthur Girls High School
Parramatta
12-2013

Early Childhood Education Cert III -

TAFE
Meadowbank

Skills

  • Classroom safety practices
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Cultural awareness
  • Collaborative learning
  • Empathy and patience
  • Problem-solving
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Relationship building
  • Leadership development
  • Child development
  • Conflict resolution
  • Diverse learning adaptation

Certification

  • Certificate II Workplace Skills - ARC TRAINING
  • Child Protection Awareness Training - NSW EDUCATION
  • Working with Childrens Check

Affiliations

- Parramatta Council Volunteer

- Build Alpha Kids Swimming Coach

- Auburn Gallipoli Mosque Volunteer

REFERENCES

PRAPTI RAWATT SEDHAIN - 0459942991

Only About Children Concord Director

KIRAN ROY - 04153950965

KU Concord Childrens Centre Director

ZAC LENDEN - 0404963381

T&J Xpresso Oatlands Manager

Heidi Goddard - 0414535472

Butchers Block Granville Manager

Timeline

Educator

OAC - Only About Children
08.2024 - 03.2025

Barista / All Rounder

Soul Origin
01.2024 - 09.2024

Barista / All Rounder

Hungry Avocado
03.2023 - 11.2023

Waitress

Outback Steakhouse
03.2022 - 12.2022

Barista / All Rounder

T&J Xpresso
09.2021 - 06.2023

Waitress

The Butchers Block
02.2021 - 01.2022

Food Attendant

Port Bar & Restaurant
03.2017 - 06.2020

High School Diploma -

Northmead Creative & Performing Arts Highschool

Macarthur Girls High School

Early Childhood Education Cert III -

TAFE
Leah Garrard-Williams